Legend of the Embroiderer

Beneath the façade of prosperity and peace in the Tang Dynasty, Su Mengyao found herself trapped in a life-or-death dilemma. Like a lone boat adrift in this utterly unfamiliar world, she had no relatives or possessions, no food to eat, no shelter, and even the most basic security was uncertain. Yet, despite such dire circumstances, Su Mengyao refused to give up. She knew that only through her own wisdom and courage could she find a place to thrive in this world of endless uncertainty.

Hard work pays off. After days of searching, Su Mengyao finally found a glimmer of hope in a corner of the bustling market—a vendor desperately needed help carrying goods. Although the work was incredibly tiring and the pay was meager, it was a lifesaver for the starving Su Mengyao. Without hesitation, she accepted the job, carrying the heavy packages on her frail shoulders, making repeated trips back and forth between the stalls.

Over time, Su Mengyao's once delicate, fair hands gradually developed horrific blisters from the rough ropes, and every touch of the cargo brought excruciating pain. Yet, even so, her eyes held no sign of retreat; instead, they burned with a fierce fighting spirit. Whenever exhaustion overwhelmed her, she would silently remind herself, "I can't give up so easily! No matter what, I must grit my teeth and persevere." It was with this unwavering determination and unyielding spirit that Su Mengyao persevered in this strange and cruel world.

As night slowly descended like a massive, thick black curtain, the entire city of Chang'an was shrouded in a deep darkness. Su Mengyao walked alone on the silent, unfamiliar streets, feeling a heavy weight on her heart. She knew that Chang'an at night was no longer the bustling and bustling city it was during the day, but a terrifying place harbouring countless unknown dangers.

The thieves lurking in the darkness were like a pack of hungry wolves, always ready to pounce on unsuspecting prey; and the ferocious beasts in the mountains and forests might also sneak into the city under the cover of night to hunt for food. With every step she took, Su Mengyao could feel an invisible pressure coming from all directions, causing her heart to beat faster and her breathing to quicken.

She treaded softly through the dim streets, the cobblestones beneath her feet creaking softly, as if revealing the secrets of this ancient city. In the dim moonlight, Su Mengyao carefully observed her surroundings, not missing a single corner that might offer a safe haven.

Finally, while passing through a secluded alley, she discovered a long-abandoned temple. The temple's door was half-closed, covered with the traces of time and dust. Su Mengyao hesitated for a moment, but finally, she mustered the courage to push the door open. Entering the temple, a stale and decaying atmosphere hit her, but for her exhausted self, it felt like a relatively safe place.

She quickly gathered some dry branches and grass, and with the flint she carried, she painstakingly lit a bonfire. The blazing flames illuminated the surroundings, bringing a touch of warmth and light to the cold, gloomy space. Su Mengyao sat by the fire, her hands tightly hugging her knees, her face close to the flames, feeling the scorching heat. The dancing flames illuminated her slightly haggard but resolute face, the interplay of light and shadow revealing a stubborn determination that refused to succumb to fate.

However, Su Mengyao knew this was merely a temporary solution. While the bonfire could provide temporary warmth and scare off nearby wild animals, it couldn't guarantee her long-term safety. She needed to come up with a more effective and long-term survival plan as soon as possible.

Just as Su Mengyao was lost in thought, a shadowy figure suddenly flashed into her sight. The mysterious figure silently appeared at the temple entrance, staring at her silently. Su Mengyao's heart instantly rose to her throat, and she was so nervous that she didn't even dare to breathe...

This mysterious figure was clad in a thick, inky black cloak, wrapping himself tightly from head to toe, seemingly blending into the night. His face was hidden in the deep shadows, making it difficult to glimpse his true features. Only his eyes, as deep as the bright stars in the night sky, occasionally gleamed with wisdom under the cold moonlight, as if they could see through everything in the world.

His steps were light and steady, each one like the gait of a cat or a tiger, silent yet powerful, clearly no ordinary passerby. At that moment, he suddenly stopped, standing right in front of Su Mengyao. Then, he slowly extended a hand from beneath his large cloak. In that hand, he held several packets of fragrant dry food and a cloak that looked thick enough to protect against the cold.

"Everyone needs a helping hand sometimes." The mysterious figure's voice was low and gentle, like a soft spring breeze brushing against your ears, bringing a sense of comfort. Yet, within these seemingly ordinary words, there was a subtle indescribable intimacy, as if he and Su Mengyao already had a close connection.

Su Mengyao's eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at the helping hand that suddenly reached out to her. In that instant, a flicker of surprise flashed across her eyes. In this age of coldness and self-absorption, there were actually people willing to lend a helping hand to a stranger? This was truly beyond her expectations!

A warm feeling surged through her heart like a tide, instantly engulfing her. However, at the same time, countless questions bubbled up from the depths of her heart, filling her mind: Why would this person help me? Did he have some special purpose?

"I... really didn't expect to get help here..." Su Mengyao tried hard to calm the emotions surging in her heart, but her voice still trembled slightly involuntarily, mixed with gratitude that was difficult to conceal.

The mysterious figure's lips curled up slightly, a faint smile forming. His deep, ocean-like eyes seemed to conceal endless secrets, a subtle, elusive meaning now emanating from them. He slowly spoke, "In this vast world, nothing is absolutely impossible." These simple words resonated like a mighty bell, resounding through Su Mengyao's heart and sending ripples of emotion.

At this moment, a mysterious figure quietly intertwined with Su Mengyao's journey. Like a savior descended from the heavens, he not only generously provided her with the resources she needed to survive, but also generously shared his profound insights and unique experiences of the times. This invaluable guidance and advice, like a beacon of light, illuminated every dark corner on Su Mengyao's path.

With the arrival of this mysterious figure, Su Mengyao's previously difficult and tortuous journey begins to turn around. The obstacles that once seemed insurmountable now seem less daunting; the confusion and bewilderment that had plagued her gradually dissipate under the guidance of this mysterious figure. Yet, despite this, Su Mengyao remains filled with unease and uncertainty—after all, the true identity and intentions of this mysterious figure remain a mystery. What changes and impacts will his sudden appearance bring to her future? Everything remains uncertain...